Tool and utensil stowage system

Abstract

Provided herein is a device useful for stowage and retrieval of various wares and utensils. A device according to the invention is especially well-suited for use within a cabinet, such as within a kitchen environment. The invention provides a slidable platform upon the top surface of which a plurality of retaining means may be readily disposed, to create spaces within which a utensil may be rigidly located. The slidable platform may be pulled out to gain access to the wares stored on the platform. A device according to the invention makes efficient use of cabinet space with respect to prior art stowage means, and provides for the wares to be disposed in such fashion that their retrieval is convenient and prompt.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 794,387 filed Apr. 24, 2006, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates generally to storage means for utensils. More particularly, it relates to systems and devices used in the storage of tools, utensils, and wares used in a household or kitchen setting, including pots, pans, and other implements.BACKGROUND[0003]Various storage means for conveniently storing a variety of implements, utensils, and wares have been contrived over the years. The products of the labors of a few workers in the prior art are embodied in several U.S. Patent documents, now cited, which are fully incorporated herein by reference thereto.[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,984 provides a modular preassembled article storage and transport conveyor apparatus which comprises: a) a substantially rigid unitized support housing having at le...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a device that allows for easy storage and retrieval of various items. It consists of a flat surface with holes in it and a frame that can hold the surface. The surface can slide back and forth on the frame. There are also securing devices attached to the surface that can hold items in place. The securing devices have a part that keeps the item in place and another part that attaches to the surface. This makes it easy to keep items organized and easily accessible."

Problems solved by technology

Of the storage means of the prior art, none are without strong limitations and drawbacks.

Since pans frequently have handles attached to them, the handles of several pans stored in the same space interfere with the efficiency of the storage of all of the pans, severely restricting the number of pans which may be stored in a given drawer or cabinet.

However, the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,751 contained many moving parts, which adds to the cost of manufacturing the devices described therein.

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